Luka Modric sealed an extra-time win for Croatia as they upset their hosts, Netherlands, to secure a thrilling 4-2 win in their Nations League semi-final.
The Netherlands had scored a 96th-minute equaliser through Noa Lang to take the tie to extra-time before Bruno Petkovic restored Croatia’s lead with a stunning goal. But it was fitting that Luka Modric, 37, had the final say from the spot after another age-defying masterclass.
Donyell Malen’s low finish had given the home side the edge in a first half of few chances as Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side put themselves in a good position to progress to the final back at De Kuip on Sunday. But that was as good as it got for his disjointed team.
Cody Gakpo’s error inside his own box changed things. His lose touch lost possession and he then brought down the veteran Modric on the occasion of his 165th cap. Andrej Kramaric’s coolly taken spot-kick levelled things up and Croatia had momentum.
They took the lead in the 72nd minute when the tricky Luka Ivanusec engineered space in the left channel and when the cross came in, Virgil van Dijk did not do enough to prevent Mario Palasic turning the ball home. That seemed to be it with Croatia in control.
But Lang conjured an equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage-time to send the crowd wild, and there was some hope that their energy would carry them through. Croatia, with Modric to the fore, had other ideas and took the lead again thanks to a fine goal by Petkovic.
He rolled Frenkie de Jong and whipped his shot past Van Dijk and into the corner of the net. There was no comeback this time. A wild challenge on Petkovic from Tyrell Malacia conceded a second penalty and Modric did the rest. Deserved winners. The star of the show.
Elsewhere, the three-team Group K of the AFCON qualifiers is already wrapped up with Morocco and South Africa assured of qualification, the Atlas Lions being on six points and South Africa on four. Liberia with a single point are out of the equation.
This matchday on Sunday, South Africa face off with Morocco in Johannesburg, in a battle of supremacy to decide who finishes top of the group. A win for South Africa will move them top pending the last match day between Morocco and Liberia.
The Moroccans will however be assured of finishing top with just a draw from the duel.
In Group L, reigning champions, Senegal, have already sealed their place to defend the crown with a 100 per cent record of four wins in four matches. Mozambique who are second on four points, Rwanda third with three and Benin bottom with two are jostling for the remaining ticket from the group.
Benin host Senegal in Cotonou, needing three points by all means to assure themselves of qualification. A win will take them to five points. Rwanda host Mozambique in Huye and a win will sail them to six points and topple the latter to second place, putting them at a good position of qualification. —Sky Sports
